Letters to the editor June 26

Beginning in the early 1800s and 1900s the U.S. government began allowing movement of immigrants into the country. During these early years, the immigrants who came were relatively prosperous in their native countries and politically enlightened people who brought to America patterns of culture. At that time, immigration into the U.S. was largely unselective. But efforts to create federal laws restricting immigration began early in the 19th century and those laws were controlled and regulated upon entry and they were obeyed.

That was yesterday. Today, it’s a changed world. When immigration first began, times were different. Immigrants came to the U.S. and were able to work. Our country was industrial during those years and there was little competition for jobs. People could start businesses and settle into a comfortable life for themselves and their families.

Immigration has been an ongoing controversial issue as to whether immigrants should be allowed into the country. Some politicians support and encourage the idea, but the country is no longer equipped, nor does it have the resources to meet the needs of those entering the country from foreign lands. Many countries today are oppressed, in disarray and are war-torn. Terrorism has been steadily on the rise over the years and has become more widespread. We don’t know who they are, where they are or where they are going.

It’s not about race or place of birth. It’s not about being American or non-American. It’s making the right decisions for the right reasons. It’s about keeping America safe. God bless America.

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Gail Adinolfi Saratoga Springs

Bravo, Saratogian managing editor

I am writing in reaction to Mr. Charlie Kraebel’s Repeal The Ban column in the June 12, 2016 edition of The Saratogian.

This column was the most powerful point of view I have read in The Saratogian in my 13 years of subscribing to the paper. The column lays out the facts around the issue and logically concludes that this is simply a bad law and certainly not the right response to the problem. The rank and file people of this area understand that these homeless people need help...not a spanking.

It is troubling that the Oligarch community of Saratoga Springs continues to feel entitled to having all things go their way. They overlook the fact that most of “The O People” have reaped inordinate wealth from the vibrant growth in Saratoga Springs.

It is right and just that the flagship newspaper of Saratoga Springs comes out swinging and powerfully shames the City Council for this regulation. The Saratogian was the first media entity to editorially call out this issue for what it is and now the rest of the local media is catching up. There’s a new, fresh voice in The Springs.

Paul F. Murphy Saratoga

Calling out cemetery flowers thief

To the individual who stole my flowers from my family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery on June 16th:

You have in my opinion stooped to an unbelievable low. What would possess you to remove the beautiful flowers I had purchased at great expense to honor my parents and siblings? I have been providing flowers every year for the past 50 years and have never had a problem before this event. I cannot fathom what would possess an individual to perform such a foul deed. I certainly hope that your conscience haunts you every day for this unspeakable act. May God forgive you; I know in my heart I should forgive you, but at this time, I cannot.

The Legislature’s proposal would sunset the Board again in four years. Their approach did not guarantee revenue for Saratoga despite potential casino expansion in New Jersey that could diminish New York video lottery terminal revenues.

Worse, it shielded NYRA from public meeting requirements and could have shut down the Franchise Oversight Board, the entity overseeing NYRA’s finances on behalf of taxpayers.

Given NYRA’s checkered history – financial mismanagement, scandal and dependency on tax subsidies to operate – diluting oversight and accountability is no way to go.

Gov. Cuomo sent the Legislature a bill to reconstitute the Board with majority private control and guarantee Saratoga Race Course $16 million in annual capital – $270 million over the length of the franchise agreement. To put this commitment in perspective, NYRA invested $17 million in Saratoga over the last three years, combined.

Under the governor’s plan, the total state subsidy of the racing industry would be $2.4 billion. NYRA alone would receive more than $1 billion, with the remainder supporting purses for horsemen and thoroughbred breeders.

While racing and wagering are constitutionally allowed for the expressed purpose of deriving “reasonable revenue for the support of government,” the roles have reversed over time. Today, NYRA is wholly dependent upon tax subsidies for operational survival.

Comptroller DiNapoli found NYRA in financial jeopardy, stating: “NYRA needs to come up with a plan to make money on racing operations, especially as it seeks to return to private control. Without such a plan, NYRA’s long term solvency could be a long shot.” These are good reasons to preserve the taxpayers’ view into NYRA’s operations.

The governor understands that Saratoga Race Course is a national treasure and a regional economic engine. His proposal makes an unprecedented investment in this important State asset while upholding accountability and oversight of its franchisee.

It is a great plan for racing fans, for the track itself, and for the regional economy of Saratoga Springs. I’m disappointed that your readers were led to believe otherwise.